One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you're a fan of easy, flavorful meals, this One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo will quickly become a favorite. The salmon is pan-seared to perfection, while the orzo absorbs all the savory flavors of chicken broth, garlic, and thyme. The addition of fresh spinach and Parmesan makes every bite rich and comforting, while the zesty lemon juice adds a refreshing kick. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish offers the ideal balance of speed and taste, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 skinless salmon fillets

• 1 teaspoon salt – divided

• 1 teaspoon black pepper – divided

• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon unsalted butter

• 1 yellow onion – finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves – minced

• 1 cup dry orzo pasta

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 3 cups low sodium chicken broth

• 5 ounces baby spinach

• Juice from ½ lemon

• ½ cup grated Parmesan

• Freshly ground black pepper – for serving

• Chili flakes – for serving

Directions

1. Start by prepping the ingredients: grate the Parmesan, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Lower the heat to medium and add the garlic and onion to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Stir in dried thyme, the remaining salt, and pepper, then add the orzo and toast it for 1 minute.

5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is almost al dente.

6. Stir in the spinach, lemon juice, and Parmesan. Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, flaking them into the orzo.

7. Garnish with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Total Time: 30 minutes

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• For a different twist, try substituting the salmon with shrimp or chicken.

• If you prefer greens other than spinach, you can swap it for broccoli, kale, or peas.

• Add a splash of dry white wine when deglazing the skillet for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.

• Freezer: Leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheat the dish in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if necessary to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, frozen salmon works fine. Just make sure to thaw it before cooking for the best results.

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, any small pasta can be used, though orzo’s texture is ideal for this dish.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Substitute orzo with a gluten-free pasta variety, such as gluten-free rice-shaped pasta.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.

What other seasonings can I use for the salmon?

You can try different seasonings like cumin, smoked paprika, or lemon zest for a variation in flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Absolutely! This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 1 day and can be reheated for an easy meal later.

Can I skip the Parmesan?

Yes, you can omit the Parmesan if you prefer a dairy-free version, or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.

How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

Salmon is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prep ingredients in advance and assemble it just before cooking.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe if you're serving more people. Just be sure your skillet is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients.

Conclusion

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is the perfect quick and easy meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. The combination of tender salmon, creamy orzo, and zesty lemon makes it a dish your whole family will love. With minimal cleanup and a rich, comforting taste, this recipe is sure to become a weeknight favorite.

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This One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo recipe is a quick and easy dinner that combines tender salmon fillets, creamy orzo pasta, and a zesty lemon flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or dinner parties, this one-pan meal delivers comfort and flavor with minimal cleanup. With ingredients like garlic, thyme, spinach, and Parmesan, it’s the ideal balance of savory and fresh, ready in just 30 minutes.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

4 skinless salmon fillets

1 tsp salt – divided

1 tsp black pepper – divided

1 tsp sweet paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp unsalted butter

1 yellow onion – finely chopped

3 garlic cloves – minced

1 cup dry orzo pasta

1 tsp dried thyme

3 cups low sodium chicken broth

5 ounces baby spinach

Juice from ½ lemon

½ cup grated Parmesan

Freshly ground black pepper – for serving

Chili flakes – for serving

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Instructions

• Prep Ingredients: Grate the Parmesan, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Season both sides of the salmon fillets with garlic powder, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper.

• Cook Salmon: Heat olive oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the salmon fillets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.

• Cook Vegetables: Lower heat to medium, add garlic and onion to the skillet, and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.

• Toast Orzo: Stir in thyme, the remaining salt, and pepper, then add the orzo. Toast for 1 minute.

• Simmer Orzo: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is nearly al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

• Finish Dish: Stir in spinach, lemon juice, and Parmesan. Return the salmon to the skillet, flaking it into the orzo.

• Serve: Garnish with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes before serving.

Notes

• For a different twist, swap salmon for shrimp or chicken.

• Use alternative greens like kale, broccoli, or peas if desired.

• To add extra flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of dry white wine before adding the broth.